Tempe's home for adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Gi and No-Gi classes on Apache Blvd led by Ares BJJ Black Belt Coach Korey. Beginners to competitors, everyone trains together. Your first class is free.
Fill this out and we'll get you on the mats this week. Zero experience required.
We'll text or call you shortly to schedule your first class. See you on the mats!
It's not just a workout. It's not just self-defense. Tempe members tell us jiu-jitsu changed how they move through every part of their life. Here's what to expect.
A single BJJ session burns 500-800 calories while building grip strength, core stability, and cardio simultaneously. Tempe members tell us they cancelled their gym memberships within the first month because nothing else compares.
BJJ is the most proven martial art for real-world self-defense. You learn to control and neutralize someone regardless of size difference — all through leverage and technique, not brute strength.
When you are grappling, your brain has no bandwidth for work stress, bills, or your inbox. It is forced presence — the closest thing to meditation that also makes you physically capable. Tempe professionals call it their therapy.
You will train with the same people multiple times a week, push each other through hard rounds, and build friendships that extend off the mats. Lawyers roll with students. Engineers drill with firefighters. The mat is the great equalizer.
The belt system gives you tangible milestones, but the real progress shows up in how you handle pressure — on the mat and in life. Every week you are sharper, calmer, and more capable than the week before.
We offer both traditional Gi classes and modern No-Gi sessions. Train in the kimono to develop precision and grips, then switch to No-Gi for speed and scrambles. Most Tempe members do both.
Tempe has options for jiu-jitsu, but when adults research the differences between gyms, they consistently choose Dark Matter for one reason: the quality of instruction. Coach Korey Kerber is an Ares BJJ Black Belt who does not just demonstrate techniques — he breaks down the why behind every movement so you actually understand what you are doing.
We are not a competition-only gym and we are not a casual open mat. Dark Matter balances technical instruction with live training so you are learning and testing every class. Whether you want to compete at tournaments or just want a challenging hobby that keeps you in shape, the training adapts to your goals.
Located at 1525 E Apache Blvd in the heart of Tempe, we are accessible from anywhere in the city. Near ASU? Five minutes. Near Tempe Marketplace? Under ten. The central location means less commute and more time on the mats.
Adults train Monday and Wednesday at 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, Friday at 6:00 PM, and Saturday at 11:00 AM. With six training days and multiple time slots, you will always find a class that fits.
Being on Apache Blvd means we're part of the ASU community. Current students, grad students, faculty, and staff are all welcome. If you've been wanting to try a martial art but didn't know where to start, we're literally in your neighborhood. Several of our members walked in as ASU students with zero experience and are now some of our most dedicated practitioners.
We run both Gi (traditional uniform) and No-Gi classes. Gi training develops precise grips, patience, and technical detail. No-Gi is faster, more athletic, and translates directly to real-world self-defense scenarios. Most Tempe members end up training both and finding value in the contrast. You'll figure out what you prefer — or realize you love both.
Our curriculum is structured for progression. Beginners learn fundamentals — survival, escapes, basic submissions — without getting thrown into the deep end. Experienced practitioners get quality training partners and coaching that continues to sharpen their game. Everyone trains together with respect, and the culture ensures new members are welcomed and supported from day one.
Morning, evening, and weekend training — six days a week.
No contracts. No pressure. Walk in, train, and see if the mats are where you belong.
Fill this out — we'll call or text to schedule your free class.
We'll reach out shortly to get your first class on the books. See you on the mats!
Usually replies within minutes
By submitting, you agree to receive texts from Dark Matter Jiu-Jitsu. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out.